LGBT veterans: support and next steps
Information on support, services and restorative measures available to those impacted by the pre-2000 ban on LGBT+ personnel in the armed forces.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) jointly commissioned an independent review to better understand the impacts and implications of the policy that homosexuality was incompatible with life in HM Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000.
The government acknowledges that the historic policy prohibiting homosexuality in the armed forces was unacceptable and wrong. The government published the formal response to the review on 13 December 2023.
The final review and recommendations was published on 19 July 2023: LGBT Veterans Independent Review.
This webpage will be kept up-to-date with information about restorative measures.
Information on veterans’ services, support and restorative measures
If you, or someone you know, was impacted by the ban on LGBT personnel in the UK’s Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000, you/they may be eligible for restorative measures.
Detailed information, eligibility and guidance for all the non-financial restorative measures available can be found in LGBT veterans: Apply for restorative measures.
The restorative measures have been separated into three sections. This is to help you apply or register an interest in restorative measures:
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pre-existing restorative measures
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new restorative measures
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planned restorative measures
Defence is working with experts across government to establish an appropriate LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme. Further updates will be added in due course.
Information on existing services and restorative measures
These measures were already in progress or available before the review was published and have different processes to the new and planned restorative measures.
You can apply via the separate application forms and processes signposted below:
- Armed forces veterans badge application form
- Disregards and pardons for those convicted of same-sex sexual offences
- Military Awards Commemorations
- Armed forces pensions
- Apply for an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card
Information on new and upcoming restorative measures
You can apply for all the new and upcoming restorative measures by completing the relevant application and registration of interest form.
You can find detailed information on all the new and planned measures, the eligibility criteria and relevant information for applicants in LGBT veterans: Apply for restorative measures.
If you are eligible, two forms can be completed depending on who is applying:
(Veterans and serving personnel who were affected by the historic policy between 1967 and 2000.)
Persons of Sufficient Interest
(A ‘Person of Sufficient Interest’ to a deceased affected veteran. This includes next of kin but includes a broader range of close personal relationships.)
New restorative measures:
- letter of apology from Service Chief of Staff
- replacement beret and/or cap badge
- written reproduction of the Prime Minister’s public apology
- receiving restorative measures in service ceremony/event
- publishing service details of former officers in The Gazette
- replacement discharge papers
- providing testimony to form part of the historical record (using the template in the documents area of this page)
- engagement in service events and with service LGBT+ Networks
- Etherton Ribbon
Planned restorative measures
The following measures are expected to be available in 2024. Updates will be added below when the measures become available. Information on eligibility and registering your interest can be found in LGBT veterans: Apply for restorative measures.
- qualification of an administrative discharge
- restoration of rank following a demotion resulting from a discharge or dismissal resulting from the ban
How long will it take?
Some of the restorative measures are available now, others will take longer.
You will receive confirmation of your application by email or post.
The time it will take to process your application will depend on the measures applied for. But all applicants should be contacted by Defence within six months of applying. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide updates on applications before this point.
Veterans support
- National services that offer support to veterans – a list of services across the UK for support, health, legal and charities.
- Help and welfare for veterans – support and services for veterans and their families.
- Pensions, Compensation and Welfare Support – support for veterans and their families with pensions, Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and injury/bereavement compensation scheme payments.
- NHS England mental health advice and urgent help – Op COURAGE is a Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service for veterans and their families.
- NHS Wales Veteran Therapist (VT) service – mental health and wellbeing services for veterans and their families can be accessed in each Local Health Board.
- NHS Scotland dedicated health services – health resources and rights for veterans and their families
- Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Office – a point of contact for all organisations providing services and support for Veterans and their families.
- The Office for Veterans’ Affairs – a full list of charities funded by the OVA that provide further support to veterans.
- Forces Employment Charity – lifelong transition support, providing information on jobs and training opportunities for veterans, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.
Information about the LGBT Veterans Independent Review
- About the review – information, terms of reference, frequently asked questions and background and legal context on the historic policy.
Related information
Documents
Updates to this page
Last updated 26 February 2024 + show all updates
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Removed information about the closed OVA grant scheme competition.
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Added: link to Apply for an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card.
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Added a link to 'Apply for an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card'.
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Added information on a grant scheme launched by the OVA.
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Added: information on planned restorative measures from the LGBT Veterans Independent Review.
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Added resources under 'Veterans support'.
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Added charity details for the Office for Veterans' Affairs.
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First published.